ICIPE Scientist, EU Funded pushpull programme in Somaliland under milk value chain project

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT (Ref No. IRS/86/112014)

SCIENTIST, EU-FUNDED PUSH–PULL PROGRAMME IN SOMALILAND UNDER MILK VALUE CHAIN PROJECT

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR A SCIENTIST TO IMPLEMENT THE PUSH–PULL TECHNOLOGY IN SOMALILAND UNDER THE EU-FUNDED MILK VALUE CHAIN PROJECT

1. Location – Arabsiyo, Somaliland.

2. Duration – The appointment will be for 18 months only.

3. Eligibility – PhD in Agricultural Entomology with 5 years post-qualification experience.

4. Starting date - 1^st January 2015 or soon thereafter

icipe — The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, is an intergovernmental organisation funded by governmental aid agencies, UN organisations and private foundations to carry out research and training in environmentally sound and sustainable management of arthropods for improving health and agricultural productivity in the tropics. icipe has over 400 staff to support its research and capacity building programmes located at various sites in Africa.

icipe wishes to urgently engage a mid-level scientist to fill the position of SCIENTIST FOR PUSH–PULL TECHNOLOGY IN THE EU-FUNDED MILK VALUE CHAIN PROJECT IN SOMALILAND. This is an internationally recruited position for which a competitive remuneration package will be offered to the right candidate.

Tasks of the Scientist

The successful candidate will be expected to:

(1)  Validate and upscale push–pull strategies in the northwest Hargeisa, Gabiley Region districts of Arabsiyo, Huluuq and Agamso;

(2)  Establish a stakeholders’ platform of local Somali village elders and farmers through extension officers and create awareness about icipe as an organisation and about push–pull as a component in the Milk Value Chain project, and its benefits;

(3)  Establish several farm sites in different locations, and monitor their performance;

(4)  Devise a sampling strategy for selecting farmers to participate in push–pull trials based on established selection criteria;

(5)  Conduct training of farmers on push–pull technology and utilisation of its products— Napier grass, Brachiaria grass and Desmodium;

(6)  Ensure the implementation of best agronomic practices and research protocols in preparing field layout, planting, sampling data collection, data analysis and preparing reports;

(7)  Translate push–pull dissemination materials into the Somali language;

(8)  Develop and expand strategic partnerships with local government, national research organisations, NGOs, CBOs, farmers’ organisations, and universities to support dissemination of the push–pull technology in farming systems in Somaliland;

(9)  Interface with the Government of Somaliland through the Ministry of Livestock and Ministry of Agriculture in getting Push–Pull strategy mainstreamed in their national agricultural system;

(10)    Provide regular feedback to the Programme Leader and Project Coordinator on the projects’ status and advising on budget re-allocations, among other actions.

Outputs and Deliverables

Outputs expected after the end of every season are:

• Project technical progress report and financial report, to be shared with the Project Leaders

Expected outputs by the end of the contract duration are:

(1)  A detailed project report with the number and GPS-referenced locations of farmers who have planted Push–Pull fields;

(2)  A compilation of project activities, including farmer group trainings, field days and other public dissemination events undertaken during the contract period;

(3)  A report outlining contents of a technical training package on Push–Pull technology;

(4)  A report of scientific research outputs and resulting publications.

Requirements/Qualifications:

• PhD in Agricultural Entomology;
• 5 years working experience in a closely related discipline within a reputable international organisation, agricultural research or extension organisation;
• Experience in programme/project management at country level;
• At least 2 years experience in working with small-scale farmers in Somaliland;
• A progressive track record of related research work, analysis and publication;
• Experience in research data management;
• Experience in Brachiaria and Desmodium research work.

Other desirable attributes

• Fluent in the Somali language
• Knowledge of Somali culture
• Computer literacy
• Good research and project management skills
• Excellent reporting and communication skills
• Knowledge of government policy and social cultural contexts of rural development in Somaliland.

Reporting

This position reports to the Principal Scientist and Programme Leader, Push–pull Habitat Management Programme.

The selected candidate should be available to start as soon as possible.

How to apply for the position:

All applications must arrive via email on or before the 10^th of December 2014. Please quote the job reference number IRS/86/112014 on the email subject line. Interested applicants should submit: (a) a confidential cover letter, including the expected salary and an indication of your earliest date of availability, (b) detailed CV with names and addresses of 3 referees (including e-mail addresses, fax numbers), (c) academic certificates and supporting documents of previous relevant work, and (d) a one-page write-up on how you consider yourself suitable for the job, to:

scientistpushpullsomaliland@icipe.org

Only applications of shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.

icipe is an equal opportunity employer and women are highly encouraged to apply